Senator Larkin Announces Significant Investment to Support Agriculture Programs in NYS

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C-I, Cornwall-On-Hudson) announced today that the Republican led Senate succeeded in restoring and adding more than $13 million beyond what the Executive proposed for agriculture programs, totaling $54.4 million.

“In this budget we delivered for local farmers, supported educational programs, served the needs of our seniors and invested in important economic development opportunities,” said Senator Bill Larkin.  “I look forward to continuing to support the agriculture industry and the countless New York farmers that need our help now more than ever.”

This year’s total funding is an increase of over $3 million from last year. Dozens of programs - investments in cutting-edge agricultural research support for the next generation of family farmers, environmental stewardship, and protections for plant, animal, and public health – will be funded, with significant increases including:

-        $1.5 million, for a total of $1.9 million, for the Farm Viability Institute to help New York’s farmers become more profitable and to improve the long-term economic viability and sustainability of farms, the food system, and the communities which they serve;

-        $1 million, for a total of $9.28 million, for Agri Business Child Development Program, to provide quality early childhood education and social services to farm workers and other eligible families;

-        $1 million, for a total of $5.43 million, for Cornell Diagnostic Lab;

-        $1.1 million for Taste New York, including $550,000 for the New York Wine and Culinary Center;

-        $750,000 for Farm-to-School programs;

-        $544,000, for a total of $750,000, for the Apple Growers Association;

-        $500,000 for the Farm-to-Seniors Program;

-        $300,000 for the North Country Farm-to-School Program;

-        $225,000 for Maple Producers; and

-        $138,000 for EBT at Farmers Markets.

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